Power take-off joint assembly



5, 1952 c. E. SWENSON POWER TAKE-OFF JOINT ASSEMBLY Filed Oct. 23, 1947 IN VEN TOR.

AT-TYS.

Patented Aug. 5, 1 952 UNITED STATES. PATENT OFFICE 2,605,853

POWER TAKE-OFF JOINT ASSEMBLY Carl E. Swenson, Rockford, Ill. Application October 23, 1947, Serial No. 781.618

This invention relates to power take-off assemblies for vehicles and the like for use in drivingtrailing vehicles or machines and has special reference to a universal joint mechanism. for driving a driven shaft connected to said vehicle,

together with means for supporting the sam an assembly of the above character with improved safety characteristics wherein novel means is provided for, supporting and locating a power take-off jointconstruction which also serves to'prevent accidental contact of-an operator or falling objects with the rotating parts of the power take-off assembly. I I

. Another object is the-provision ina -r nech-. anism of the above character. with means which minimizes chattering of parts, which assures trouble-free service and which-is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Qther objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from-the following detailed description taken inconnection. with the. ac.- companying drawings, in which. 7 Figure 1 .is a side view with cutaway portions showing a power take-off. my invention;

Fig. 2 is atop view Referring now to the drawings, the invention is shown embodiedin a power take-off assembly of the type arranged to be disposed'between a vehicle such as a tractor having a drive shaft H and a driven auxiliary or trailing vehicle having a driven shaft (not shown) attached to the tractor by. conventional hitching .means --(not shown). In general; the mechanismcomprises two close coupled universal joints l2 and [3 arranged to effect a connection between the drive shaft H herein in the form of a splined shaft on the tractor and a driven shaft on an auxiliary machine (not shown), and a mechanism Hi for supporting the joints in a. manner to'allowfor angular displacement between the driving shaft l I and the driven shaft.

V of, the assembly with the I parts in a different position, and I i Fig. 3 is an end viewof- Figure 1.

are arranged to be driven from the driving shaft ll and may be of any of the well-known types. In thisinstance they comprise a pair of yokes Ifiandifi disposed in coplanar .relationship. The yoke I5 comprises an internally splined sleeve I! and yoke arms I 8" and '19, the latter being pivotally connected to a spider 2| which is in turn pivotally connected to spaced ears 22 on a transmission ring .23. The transmission ring has spaced ears 25 for pivotal attachment to a spider 26 to which yoke arms 27 and 28 of the yoke l6 are pivotally attached. It will be seen that the yoke [5, the spider 2| and the spaced ears 22' form one universal joint, while the yoke [6, the spider 26 and the spaced ears 25' form the second universal joint, the two being connected by the ring 23 which forms a transmission member between the two joints. The internallysplined sleeve I! of the yoke l5 is mounted on the driving or power take-off shaft 7 ll of the tractor so that the interconnecting ,longitudinalmovement between the shaft l l and the sleeve I1. It will be understood that while the connection between the sleeve. I! and the I shaft H is. described andherein shown asa conventional splined connection, this. maybe any connection which will transmit rotary moassembly embodying tion from the shaft to the yoke and which will permit relatively longitudinal movement between these members, since many connections equivalent to the splined connection are wellknown in the art I vThe yokelii of the, joint I3 is provided with a splined shaft '29 driven by the driving shaft H through the universal joint connection therebetween and adapted to interfit with a splined sleeve of the driven shaft (not shown) on the trailing auxiliary. It is contemplated that the of relative angular movement between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. My invention is concern d with novel means providing one point support for the above mechanism that permits angular movement between the drive shaft H and the driven shaft about both a vertical and a horizontal axis so that under all angularv conditons of the shafts within their range of operation, the power from the driving vehicle will be transmitted uniformly between the respective shafts. Thus, it contemplates a mechanism for support ing the universal joint assembly comprising a support 31 arranged to be attached to a part 39 fixedly secured to the tractor and overlying the drive shaft H, a member 32 rotatable about a vertical axis located a predetermined distance from the driving vehicle and supported in a susj is formed on opposite sides with bearing surfaces pended manner from the support SI and a bracket. 33 pivotally mounted on the member 32 for 'sup- J porting the yoke l3 whereby the latter is free to rotate while at the same time is movable about a horizontal axis.

While the part Sflcan take any number of predetermined forms and shapes and an rsuitable means may be used to locate the vertical axis in a predetermined relation with the driving vehicle, I. prefer to use asingle member to effect the functions of theserespective come ponents. To this end I utilize a master power take-off shield 39 constructed in accordancewith the standards of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. As shown in the drawings the shield 39 comprises a top portion 34 overlying the drive shaft H with depending side portions 35 and 35 disposed on opposite sides thereof so as to in effect straddle the drive shaft IL The top portion 34 (see Fig. 2). is shaped so that it flares outwardly from the end secured to the tractor. The side portions 35 and '38 are thus disposed at angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft l I.v This construction permits angular movement of, the power take-off assembly t9 and 5!, the former of which is shaped to engage the bearing surface 45 and the latter of which engages a bearing surface 52 formed on a washer 53. The bearing surface 52 is in an opposed spaced relation with the bearing surface 45. The washer 53 is secured in a fixed position against an annular shoulder 59 at the mouth of the recess 44 by a snap ring The washer 53 positions and supports the end 43 of the trunnion 48in the recess 4 5. It is to be understood that the trunnion 4.6 is suspended from the plate 3| and is rotatable about the predetermined vertical axis. A 7 1 V As shown in Figure 1 the bracket 33 supporting the yoke ifi so that the'latter is freeto rotate while at the same time forming a guard for the 7 drive shaft H.

In the present embodiment of the invention the support 3! is in the form of a plate shaped to be afiixed to the .master power take-off shield .30 as by bolts 31,;so as to overliethe joints [2 and i3.

The plate 3! is located in a predeterminedposition relative to the tractor, Herein the assembly.

of plate 3 l on the shield is facilitated by, a screw 38 threaded into the plate 3! and shaped to interfit with an elongated slot 39 (see Fig. 2 formed. at the rearward edge 41 of the shield 38, these interfitting parts serving to initially locate plate 31 with respectto shield 3&3 upon assembly, bolts 31 being then inserted to form the permanent connection between plate .3] and shield 30. The shield 3% .is securedto the tractor in such -a manner that the slot is positioned to overlie the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft '1 'I and is of such depth that preferably the screw 38, when disposed in the slot 39, is positioned so that the vertical axis about which the bracket 32 rotates is near alinement with the vertical pivotal axis of, the hitching means (not shown). lfor reinforcement purposes a double layer "of metal is provided at the portion of the shield li'inwhich the slot 39 is formed. lfhe forward end of the plate Bids formed with a projection 22 which abuts against the underside of the shield 39 and which is of substantially the same thickness as the lower layer of metal at the slot end of the shield 36 so as to insure positive alinement of the plate 36 with the shield 39. An upturned lip 43.formed on the lower layer ofmetal forming the shield 333 and abutting against the rearward V tact by an operator or of falling objects with the includes an annular collar 55 retaining the ball bearing 56 encircling and supporting the shaft 29. On diametrically opposite sides oflthe collar 55, arms 51 project in the direction of the drive shaft H and are pivotally supported on posts 58 and 59' projecting outwardly from arms BI and 62 depending from the Web H, .on opposite sides of the yoke, It.

The instant construction provides for relative angular movement between the drive shaft H and the driven shaft about both a vertical and a horizontal axis. Thus, power can be transmitted uniformly from the driving shaft H to the driven shaft with the trailing implement at one side of the pullingvehiole as inmaking a turn, with the trailing-vehicle slightly above or below the pulling vehicle such as occurs in passing over ridges or ditches in a held, or with any combination of the aforegoing relative positions of the pulling vehicle and theitrailing implement. 7

Another phase of my-invention is concerned with the provision of preventing accidental .con-

power take-01f assembly. For this purpose the plate. 3| is made of sufiicient length and width such that it extends rearwardly of the vehicle beyond the power take-off shield 30' to which it is attached so as to overlie the yoke l 5,.the transa connection between the shaft 29 and the auxilmission ring 23 and the forward portion of the yoke I5; The web 4'! of the bracke't32 isformed as a solid member and provides, a continuation of the guard by overlying the intermediate por-' is rigidly fastened to the shield 30 of the tractor so that in effect the shaft 29 forms auniversal power take-off shaft for the tractor such that any driven shaft on a trailing vehicle may be connected to this shaft and proper drive conditions result. Where necessarysuitable adapters may be utilized with the shaft '29 for effecting iary.

It will be seen that the support for the joint assembly and the shaft 29 is essentially through th collar 5.5, the'arms' 51, the a'rms'li'li and 62, the web' 41 and thetrunnion t6 suspended from the plate .31.? rigidly attached to the? shield. 38. Rotationof the 'drive shaft I :causes ro'tary' motion to 'be transmittedthrough"the yoke 15, the spider 2L: the transmission ring 23; "the' spider 26, and the yoke l .6 to thedriven shaft29; "When turning movement o'ccurs as between the tractor and the trailing implement; ang-ularity i develops between the drive shaft 1 iand the drivenshaft, and the collar 55 moves with the shaft 29 through rotation of the member 52 about the vertical axis of the trunnion 46. The vertical axis normally intersects the centerline ofthe transmission ring 23 slightly forward of the center thereof.

Thus, when in the position-shown in Fig. 2 the angles formed by the yokes I5 and IS with respect to the axis of rotation of the. transmission ring 23 are substantially" equal. As the shafts move out of alinement such as shown in Fig. 2 the yoke l5 moves or slides axially relative to the shaft II in a forward direction toward the tractors As the shafts are again brought into alinernent'the yoke l5 moves axially rearwardly on the shaft l l and assumes the position shown in Figure 1. The pivotal connection provided between the arms 6| and 62 and the arms 5'! permit relative angular movement between the drive shaft II and the driven shaft in a vertical plane and are located slightly to the rear of the axis of the spider 2'6 to thereby provide a maximum degree of angular displacement between the shafts.

I claim:

1. In a power take-off assembly for driving an auxiliary having a driven shaft from a vehicle having a drive shaft, the combination of close coupled universal joints having a first yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with a driving shaft and a second yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with said driven shaft, at least one of said connections being a sliding connection, a member rigidly secured to said vehicle and overlying said driving shaft to form a guard therefor, a plate arranged to be attached to said member and having a recess formed at one end, means acting between said member and said plate for initially locating said plate. and recess in a predetermined manner with respect to said member upon assembly of said plate onto said member, a trunnion shaped tent in said recess and having a bearing surface, bearing means for engaging said bearing surface and supporting the trunnion whereby the latter is rotatable about a vertical axis, a supporting bracket in which one of the yokes is rotatably mounted and means rigid with said trunnion for providing a pivotal support for the supporting bracket whereby the last mentioned yoke is movable about a horizontal axis.

2. In a power take-off assembly for driving an auxiliary having a driven shaft from a vehicle having a drive shaft, the combination of close coupled universal joints having a first yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with a driving shaft and a second yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with said driven shaft, at least one of said connections being a sliding connection, a member rigidly secured to said vehicle comprising a top portion overlying said driving shaft and depending side portions straddling said driving shaft to form a guard, a plate arranged I to be attached to said guard in a predetermined manner and having a recess formed at one end, said plate being of such width and length that 6 it extends outwardly from said guard 'to sub-- stantially overlie said joints and form an exten sion of said guard, a trunnion shaped to fit in said recess and having a bearing surface, bearing means engagingsaid surface for supporting said trunnion in therece'ss so that the latter is rotatable about a vertical axi's'at a predetermined distancefrom the vehicle; a 'su'pportingbracket in which one of the yokes isrotatablymounted, and means rigid with 'sai'd'trunnion providing-a pivotal support for the supporting bracket whereby the last-mentioned yoke is movable about a horizontal axis. l

3. In a'power take-off assembly for driving an auxiliary having a driven shaft from a vehicle having a drive shaft, the"combination' of close coupled universal joints having a first yoke shapedto provide a driving connection with the driving shaft and a second yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with saiddriven shaft, a plate arranged to be attached in a predetermined position to a stationary 'part of the vehicle and having a circular recess formed on its underside, said recess havingja bearing surface formed on its interior, a trunnion having an enlarged disc shaped end shaped to rotatably fit in said recess having a top surface arranged to abut said bearing surface and a bottom surface, an annular ring shaped to abut said bottom surface and provide a support for said end, means for retaining said ring in a fixed position in said recess so that said trunnion is rotatable about a first axis at a predetermined distance from the vehicle, a supporting bracket in which one of the yokes is rotatably mounted, and means rigid with said trunnion providing a pivotal support for the 'supportingbracket whereby the last-mentioned yoke is movable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

' 4. In a power take-off assembly for driving an auxiliary having a driven shaft from a vehicle having a drive shaft, the combination of close coupled universal joints having a first yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with the driving shaft and a second yoke shaped 'toprovide a driving connection with said driven shaft, at least one of said connections being a sliding connection, a member extending outwardly from the tractor having a slot formed therein, a plate shaped to be attached to said member having a screw thereon shaped to interfit in said slot to initially locate the plate relative to the member upon assembly of the plate onto the member, said plate having a first and second bearing surface in opposed spaced relation, first means having a third and fourth bearing surface engageable with the first and second bearing surfaces respectively to support said first means so that said first means is free to rotate about a vertical axis, a supporting bracket in which one of the yokes is rotatably mounted, and means rigid with said first means for providing a pivotal support for the supporting bracket whereby said last-mentioned yoke is movable about a horizontal axis.

5. In a power take-off assembly for driving an auxiliary having a driven shaft from a vehicle having a drive shaft, the combination of close coupled universal joints having a first yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with the driving shaft and a second yoke shaped to provide a driving connection with said driven shaft, at least one of said connections being a sliding connection, a plate arranged to be attached to a stationary part of the vehicle in a predetermined position and having a recess formed at one end,,.a "trunnion disposed. inysaid recess and haying a :bearing "surface, bearing means engaging said surface to support said trunnion so that the trunnion is rotatable about a vertical axis located at predetermined "distance :from the vehicle, a supporting bracket in which-one of the iyokes is rotatably mounted, and means rigid with 'said trunnion for providing a pivotal support :forthetsupporting bracket whereby the lastmentioned yoke is movable about'a horizontal axis. r v

6. The -.combination With a vehicle, of a power take-off assembly for driving a trailing machine, comprising a driving shaft on said vehicle, a driven shaft adapted to be connected to said trailing machine, close :coupled universal joints having a first yoke disposed in driving relation with :said driving shaft and a second yoke in driving relation with said driven shaft, a shield attached toa stationary part of said vehicleabove said driving shaft and shaped to extend rearward-1y to a point above said joints, a plate secured to said shield disposed over said joints to prevent accidental contact therewith from the top, a bearing member rotatably'supported solely on said plate with its axis of -rotation disposed at a predetermined position from the tractor and substantially vertically above the centerline of said driving shaftsaid bearing member having a web portion disposedin approximately parallel relation with saidpl'ate and depending arms, and a bearing bracket for supporting one of said yokes, said bearing bracket being pivotally supported on said depending arms for rotation about a horizontal axis.

CARL, sWENsoNf 7 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent: i

UNITED STATES PATENTS Hardy June 8, 1-948 

